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WHAT IS GLOSSITIS?

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The tongue is one of the most interesting parts of the body.

Your tongue is made up of eight muscles. It is one of the most flexible parts of
your body and it houses between 2000 to 10 000 taste buds on its surface.

Your tongue also traps a considerable amount of bacteria in your mouth. 

When your tongue becomes inflamed or swollen, this is known as glossitis. 


HOW DO I KNOW I HAVE GLOSSITIS? 

Glossitis causes your tongue to become irritated and appear red or smooth in
appearance. 

This can make you find certain activities painful and difficult, such as
talking, chewing and swallowing. 

There are other conditions that glossitis can be mistaken for, namely oral
candidiasis and acid reflux. It’s important to get a proper diagnosis from your
doctor to confirm whether you have glossitis or not.


CAUSES OF GLOSSITIS

There can be underlying conditions that cause glossitis. Diseases such as
Sjögren’s syndrome, which attacks the immune system, can cause dry mouth and
inflammation of the tongue.  

Nutrient deficiencies in vitamin B, particularly B12, iron, folic acid and zinc
can cause glossitis. There are conditions which cause these nutrient
deficiencies, such as malnutrition, anaemia and celiac disease. Viral, bacterial
and fungal infections may also cause glossitis. 

There are other factors which may increase the risk of contracting glossitis.
Consuming substances such as tobacco and acidic, hot or spicy foods and drinks,
can irritate your tongue. Any injury to your mouth can lead to glossitis, for
example, the use of improperly fitted dental braces. 

An allergic reaction to an oral product or medication can also cause the tongue
to become inflamed and swollen. A family history of a certain type of glossitis
known as geographic tongue, can predispose you to having the condition as well. 


WHAT ARE THE DIFFERENT TYPES OF GLOSSITIS?

 * Acute glossitis: Characterised by a sudden onset of inflammation and swelling
   of the tongue, acute glossitis can be quite severe. It is often due to an
   allergic reaction.
 * Chronic glossitis: Long-term inflammation of the tongue caused by nutritional
   deficiencies, autoimmune disorders, or infections can lead to glossitis
   becoming a chronic condition.
 * Atrophic glossitis: Characterised by a shiny and smooth tongue, this type of
   glossitis can be caused by nutritional deficiencies. Another name for it is
   Hunter glossitis.
 * Geographic tongue: Also known as benign migratory glossitis, it’s a type of
   glossitis that causes patches or a map-like pattern on the surface of the
   tongue.
 * Median rhomboid glossitis: A flat, dark red lesion along the middle and
   towards the back of the tongue is a characteristic of median rhomboid
   glossitis. It is often caused by a fungal infection.


HOW CAN GLOSSITIS BE TREATED?

Once the cause of glossitis is identified, a suitable treatment can be
administered. If your glossitis is due to a bacterial or fungal infection, for
instance, an antibiotic or antifungal would be prescribed by your doctor to
treat the infection. This would result in your glossitis resolving once the
course of treatment has been completed.

Treatment also depends on the type of glossitis you have. If your doctor
diagnoses you with acute glossitis, for example, the allergic reaction will have
to be treated before you are cured.

Nutrient deficiencies which cause glossitis can be treated by supplementation.
Blood tests can indicate which vitamins or minerals you are lacking. If you are
found to have iron-deficiency anaemia, iron supplements will be prescribed along
with Vitamin C to increase its absorption. 

Underlying conditions or diseases, such as Sjögren’s syndrome must be treated
for glossitis to resolve. Autoimmune disorders are treated with medication that
prevents the immune system from attacking healthy tissues in your body.
Corticosteroids, anti-inflammatories and immunosuppressants would be prescribed
to reduce inflammation. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as
ibuprofen may also be prescribed to reduce pain and inflammation of the tongue. 

Your dentist can be consulted to treat any oral injuries which are causing
glossitis. If you have dental braces, a proper fitting or readjustment can
alleviate symptoms of glossitis.


ARE THERE WAYS TO PREVENT GLOSSITIS?

Certain lifestyle factors can increase your risk of glossitis. Therefore,
abstaining from particular activities and substances can help prevent glossitis.
It can also prevent active glossitis from becoming much worse.

 * Avoid irritants: Abstain from smoking and chewing tobacco, or drinking
   alcohol. Avoid eating and drinking spicy, hot and acidic foods or drinks.
 * Improve your oral hygiene: Brush your teeth and tongue twice a day. Floss
   once a day and use a mouthwash. Ensure you visit your dentist for check ups
   twice a year.
 * Maintain a healthy diet: Ensure you are getting enough nutrients,
   specifically vitamin B12, iron, zinc and folic acid. Take a multivitamin that
   includes a good percentage of vitamins and minerals, not greater than their
   recommended daily allowances (RDA).
 * Manage your underlying conditions: As advised by your doctor and take
   prescribed treatments and medications consistently.


WHEN SHOULD I CONSULT A DOCTOR ABOUT GLOSSITIS?

The swelling and inflammation of your tongue can cause difficulties in speaking,
chewing and swallowing. In severe cases, the tongue can swell up enough to block
your airways. If you have difficulty breathing, you should make arrangements to
see your doctor immediately. 

If glossitis does not resolve within 10 days, consult your doctor. However,
treating glossitis early can prevent it from becoming severe and save you a lot
of pain and discomfort.

 

Access medical solutions and achieve your health goals.

Simply contact us and our Health+ Consultant will be in touch within 24 hours.

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